Help!

Asking for help is one of the things that resilient people do. They recognise they can’t do everything on their own and they know there is power in sharing a burden.

The issue is, when we’re in challenging times and we’re stressed and just trying to get through the day, we can accidentally isolate ourselves. We put off making plans with friends and family because we’ve just got too much on.

We think that if we just put all our effort into this issue that we have, we’ll get through it. Whether it’s excess workload, competing deadlines, a medical issue, caring responsibilities, it’s too much for us alongside everything else, and so we give up on some of the things that would help. A sign that you’re struggling is when you tell yourself that you just need to get through this.

You stop doing the things you love, the things you’d enjoy, and everything becomes focused on this one major issue. Its really difficult to see that when you’re in it though.

But think about it this way. If you knew that one of your close friends or family members was going through a tough time, would you want to help them? And If you suspected they were struggling but they didn’t tell you? How would you feel?

When we’re going through a stressful situation, we become more self centred. It’s a survival mechanism and we focus on what we need to do to keep our head above the water. When we’re thinking straight we’re more likely to ask for help. But when we’re in a negative spiral we can let feelings of shame and embarrassment stop us. We don’t want even our closest friends to know we haven’t got it all together. But really, if it was one of your close friends, would you care that they didn’t have it all together or would you want to do whatever you can to help them? I know I would want to help and I think that’s true of most people.

I’ve seen for myself that despite how busy people are, they will make time to do things for others because they want to help them feel better, and because we also feel good knowing we’ve made a difference to someone.

There is so much strength is asking for help, and seeking it out can make a huge  difference in how quickly you bounce back from adversity. There are always helpers. They might come from the most unexpected places but if you look, you’ll find them.

The Power of Self-Compassion in Building Resilience: Embracing Kindness in Challenging Times

Life is full of ups and downs, and in the face of adversity, resilience becomes our guiding light. While resilience is essential, it is equally crucial to recognise the power of self-compassion as we navigate the challenging moments that come our way. Self-compassion has a profound impact on building resilience, along with practical strategies to embrace kindness towards ourselves during difficult times. By cultivating self-compassion, we can strengthen our resilience and emerge stronger than ever before.

1. Understanding Self-Compassion:

Resilience goes hand in hand with self-compassion. Self-compassion involves extending kindness, understanding, and acceptance towards ourselves, especially when we face setbacks or hardships. Rather than engaging in self-criticism or harsh judgment, self-compassion allows us to treat ourselves with the same kindness and support we would offer to a dear friend. It serves as a foundation for building resilience.

2. Embracing Imperfections:

Resilience requires acknowledging that we are not perfect and that making mistakes or facing challenges is a natural part of life. By embracing our imperfections, we can release the burden of unrealistic expectations and develop a compassionate response to our own shortcomings. Instead of berating ourselves for our perceived failures, we can cultivate resilience by seeing these moments as opportunities for growth and learning.

3. Nurturing Self-Care:

Self-compassion involves taking care of ourselves physically, emotionally, and mentally. Engaging in self-care practices such as regular exercise, nourishing our bodies with healthy food, getting enough restful sleep, and engaging in activities that bring us joy and relaxation can significantly enhance our resilience. By prioritising our well-being, we build a strong foundation to weather life's storms with resilience and strength.

4. Cultivating a Supportive Inner Dialogue:

The way we speak to ourselves internally has a profound impact on our resilience. Developing a supportive inner dialogue involves replacing self-critical thoughts with words of encouragement, self-compassion, and understanding. When faced with adversity, remind yourself that it is okay to struggle, and offer words of kindness and support. By reframing negative self-talk, we can strengthen our resilience and cultivate a positive mindset.

5. Practicing Mindfulness:

Mindfulness, the practice of being fully present in the current moment without judgment, can enhance self-compassion and resilience. By observing our thoughts and emotions with curiosity and non-judgment, we create space for self-compassion to flourish. Mindfulness helps us become aware of our own suffering and respond with compassion and kindness, leading to increased resilience in the face of challenges.

In the journey of building resilience, self-compassion is a powerful ally. By embracing kindness, understanding, and acceptance towards ourselves, we can strengthen our resilience and navigate life's challenges with grace and determination. Remember that self-compassion is not a sign of weakness, but a testament to our inner strength and courage.